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U.S. Boat Sales Strong Heading into 2018, Poised for Another Year of Growth

January kicks off busy selling season with boat shows held around the U.S.

1/9/2018 12:00:00 AM

CHICAGO – January 9, 2018 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), representing the nation’s recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, announced today it expects unit sales of new powerboats to be up six percent in 2017, marking an estimated 260,000 new powerboats sold last year. As consumer confidence continues to rise and boat manufacturers introduce products and experiences to attract younger boaters, the outlook for 2018 new powerboat sales is another five to six percent increase.

“The close of 2017 marked our sixth consecutive year of growth in new boat sales and recreational boating expenditures, and we expect that trend to continue through 2018, and possibly beyond,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “On the horizon, if economic indicators remain favorable to the recreational boating market with strong consumer confidence, a healthy housing market, rising disposable income and consumer spending, and historically low interest rates, the outlook is good for boat sales.”

Boat manufacturers and dealers around the U.S. are preparing for a busy winter boat show season – a crucial selling period for the industry. Manufacturers debut their latest innovations and products at boat shows—important selling and marketing events that can generate as much as 50 percent of annual sales for manufacturers and dealers. Shoppers can expect to find incentives and some of the best deals of the year at boat shows with the added convenience of being able to compare different boat models, and different dealers, in one location.

Expect to get a read on buyer trends and sales for the year ahead at this winter’s boat shows, including:

Versatile family fun boats: Manufacturers continue to build more accessible and versatile watercraft to attract new and younger boaters, offering an all-in-one experience from fishing to cruising to watersports. Sales are expected to be up for ski and wake boats (seven percent), pontoons (7-8 percent) and personal watercraft (5-6 percent) in 2017.

Fishing boats: Fishing is the most popular activity done on a boat, and fishing boat sales are a major driver of the industry’s sustained momentum. Sales estimates for 2017 show saltwater fishing boats up four percent and freshwater fishing boats up two percent.

Cruisers: Boats between 22 and 32 feet, and popular for relaxing, entertaining and ‘cruising,’ are on the rise with estimated gains of 9-10 percent in 2017. With consumer confidence and consumer spending at strong levels, sales of these mid-sized powerboats are expected to continue the upward trend in the year ahead.

More boating experiences for new boaters: Boat clubs, rentals and fractional use companies continue to grow in popularity as new boaters explore ways to get on the water. Boating experiences provide a gateway to ownership and companies like Boatsetter, Freedom Boat Club, SailTime and Carefree Boat Club help beginners find ways to go boating. Learn more at DiscoverBoating.com.

U.S. Recreational Boating by the Numbers

Annual U.S. consumer spending on boats, marine products and services totaled $36 billion in 2016 and are expected to have climbed three percent in 2017 to $37 billion.

Sales of new powerboats in 2017 are estimated to exceed 260,000 units with continued sales growth of 5-6 percent expected in 2018.

The recreational boating industry in the U.S. supports 650,000 direct and indirect American jobs and nearly 35,000 small businesses.

Recreational boats are uniquely American made with 95 percent of the boats sold in the U.S, made in the U.S.

Leading the nation in sales of new powerboat, engine, trailer and accessories in 2016 were the following states:

Florida: $2.5 billion, up five percent from 2015

Texas: $1.4 billion, up five percent from 2015

Michigan: $868 million, up nine percent from 2015

Minnesota: $710 million, up nine percent from 2015

North Carolina: $689 million, up 11 percent from 2015

New York: $688 million, up 14 percent from 2015

Wisconsin: $622 million, up nine percent from 2015

California: $615 million, up 15 percent from 2015

Georgia: $551 million, up 11 percent from 2015

South Carolina: $544 million, up 10 percent from 2015

It’s not just new boats Americans are buying; there were an estimated 981,600 pre-owned boats (powerboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats) sold in 2016, totaling $9.2 billion in sales.

There were an estimated 11.9 million registered/documented boats in the U.S. in 2016.

Ninety-five percent of boats on the water (powerboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats) in the U.S. are small in size, measuring less than 26 feet in length—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways.

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About NMMA: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.